New Orleans Jingle Bells Walking Tour

A Festive Walk Through the French Quarter: The New Orleans Jingle Bells Walking Tour

Imagine wandering the lively streets of New Orleans during the holiday season, with historic architecture draped in twinkling lights and the scent of holiday cheer in the air. That’s exactly what the New Orleans Jingle Bells Walking Tour promises. This guided experience, offered by New Orleans Drunk History Tours, takes you on a 1 to 2-hour stroll through the heart of the French Quarter, showcasing its signature charm with a holiday twist. Whether you’re visiting during December for the full festive feel or just want to see the French Quarter in its holiday finery, this tour offers a charming, relaxed way to soak up the sights.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines history with holiday magic — you get to see beautifully decorated courtyards, historic buildings, and iconic landmarks like St. Louis Cathedral, all while enjoying a leisurely walk. Plus, the option to choose an afternoon or evening tour means you can customize your experience to suit your vibe. One thing to consider is that the tour involves walking at a moderate pace, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a bit of walking and standing.

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, laid-back way to enjoy New Orleans’ vibrant atmosphere during the holidays. It’s also a great choice if you love history, architecture, and festive lights, and want a local guide to share stories along the way. Keep in mind, it’s a walking tour with no included drinks — but that just means you’re free to enjoy a cocktail or two at your own pace along the route.

Key Points

• Duration Flexibility: Lasts approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on stops and wait times.
• Themed Experience: A holiday-themed tour showcasing decorated sites and historic architecture.
• Local Guide: Led by a knowledgeable local guide who shares stories and history.
• Self-Paid Drinks: Alcoholic beverages are not included but can be purchased along the route.
• Walking Tour: Moderate-paced walk through the French Quarter with opportunities for photos.
• Timing Options: Available in both afternoon and evening to suit your schedule.

What to Expect from the Tour: A Detailed Breakdown

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour kicks off at 941 Bourbon St, a famously lively stretch of New Orleans known for its vibrant nightlife and historic charm. From here, your guide, whose name isn’t specified but is described as local and engaging, will lead you into the heart of the French Quarter. The meeting point is convenient, close to public transportation, and there’s a note about arriving a few minutes early — a good idea to avoid missing the start.

The Route and Its Highlights

The route is designed to be flexible, depending on how long you linger at stops or enjoy the festive decorations. The tour’s main focus is the French Quarter’s iconic ambiance, with a particular emphasis on its holiday transformation. Expect to pass through charming walkways and eclectic shops decked out in elaborate lights, ribbons, and seasonal decor. The guide will point out historic homes, romantic courtyards, and major attractions like St. Louis Cathedral, providing insights into their history and architectural significance.

The Charm of the Decor and Atmosphere

One of the tour’s standout features is how it captures the unique New Orleans style — decorated in a way that blends classic Southern charm with vibrant, contemporary holiday flair. Guests have mentioned how the dazzling lights and festive decor really bring the streets alive, making it a perfect setting for holiday photos or just soaking in the atmosphere. The guide’s commentary adds depth, sharing stories about the district’s history and its colorful characters, which enrich the visual experience.

The Stops and Their Specifics

While the tour is flexible, a notable stop is 941 Bourbon St, a hub where the tour begins with a quick overview of the area’s significance. From there, the route winds through the French Quarter, eventually ending in the heart of Vieux Carré. Depending on how long you spend at each spot, the total walking time can vary but generally stays within the 1 to 2-hour window.

Drinking and Rest Breaks

A significant aspect to keep in mind is that alcoholic drinks are not included in the tour price. However, guests can certainly purchase drinks along the route — which many reviewers have appreciated as a way to unwind and enjoy the local flavor. Some reviewers noted they enjoyed stopping at local bars or cafes to warm up with a cocktail, adding to the authentic experience.

The Guide’s Role and Guest Experience

Guests have praised the guides for being knowledgeable and personable, with some mentioning specific guides by name who made the experience engaging. They’re skilled at balancing storytelling with the pace of the walk, ensuring everyone stays together and gets a good look at the sights. The moderate pace means you won’t be rushing but should be prepared for some standing and walking.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour costs $55 per person, which, considering it covers a guided walk through one of New Orleans’ most famous neighborhoods during a festive season, offers good value. It’s a mobile ticket experience, making check-in straightforward. The tour runs rain or shine — so dress appropriately for the weather, whether that’s chilly evenings or a sunny afternoon.

Accessibility and Group Size

While the data doesn’t specify maximum group size, it mentions that up to 999 travelers can join, which indicates it’s scalable for large groups. Service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate, making it accessible for many.

Why This Tour Works Well for Different Travelers

• History and Architecture Buffs: The guide shares stories about the historic homes and landmarks, making it a rich cultural experience.
• Holiday Enthusiasts: Perfect if you want to see the French Quarter dressed in holiday splendor.
• Casual Sightseers: The relaxed pace and scenic route suit those looking for a leisurely walk rather than a strenuous activity.
• Photo Lovers: The festive lights and historic backdrops make for great photo opportunities.

Who Might Want to Pass

If you’re not keen on walking or prefer guided tours with all-inclusive drinks, this might not be the best fit. Also, if you’re expecting supernatural or haunted experiences — despite the festive theme — this tour focuses more on architecture and history rather than ghost stories or paranormal activity.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For $55, this tour offers a charming, authentic way to experience New Orleans during the holidays. It’s well-suited for those who want an easy-paced, informative walk through a famously colorful neighborhood, with the added magic of holiday decorations. The local guides bring the streets alive with stories, and the flexible timing options make it easy to fit into your schedule.

While it doesn’t include drinks or private access to any private property, the beauty lies in the vivid decorations, historical insights, and lively atmosphere of the French Quarter. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, this tour can add a special touch of holiday enchantment to your NOLA trip — especially if you enjoy combining sightseeing with a festive spirit.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and children under 18 are allowed with a parent or guardian. Keep in mind some bars along the route may have age restrictions.

Can I join the tour if I arrive late?
Late arrivals are not guaranteed to be able to join because the tour departs promptly at the scheduled time. It’s best to arrive a few minutes early.

Are alcoholic drinks included?
No, drinks are not included but can be purchased along the route. Guests are encouraged to enjoy local beverages at their own expense.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for walking and check the weather forecast. It can get chilly in the evening or during winter, so layers are recommended.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on wait times and stops along the route.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
While not explicitly stated, it involves walking on potentially uneven streets, so accessibility might be limited. Contact the provider if you have specific needs.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Yes, photos are encouraged. The tour staff ask that you do not record audio or video, but capturing the festive scenery and historic architecture is a big part of the fun.

To sum it up, if you’re looking for a laid-back, scenic walk through the festively decorated French Quarter, with a knowledgeable guide sharing stories along the way, this tour offers good value. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy history, architecture, and holiday cheer, and want a memorable way to celebrate the season in New Orleans.